Detroit Red Wings fans are getting a unique chance to see the team’s two most recent first-round draft picks in game action against some of the best players in the world in their peer group, and they don’t even have to leave town in order to do so.
Both defenseman Dennis Cholowski (2016) and center Michael Rasmussen (2017) are playing for Team Canada against the United States, Sweden and Finland in the World Junior Summer Showcase at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich.
For Rasmussen, the ninth player chosen in the 2017 NHL entry draft, it’s his first chance to see game action since fracturing his wrist late last season with the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League.
“The wrist is 100 percent,… said Rasmussen, who is playing on the wing for Canada at the tournament.
While the tag of No. 1 draft pick puts Rasmussen directly under the spotlight of scrutiny, he prefers not to view the scenario as such, feeling that once he’s on the ice, he’s just another player among players.
“For me, the number wears off,… Rasmussen explained. “It’s all about your spot on the team or earning your spot in the organization. That’s what I’m focusing on.…
Still, at six-foot-six and 215 pounds, it’s difficult for Rasmussen not to stand out in the crowd, and he seeks to use his size to his advantage when playing down low in the offensive zone and in the slot area.
“Obviously I’m a big guy, so I get the puck, take a couple steps and just get to the front of the net,… Rasmussen, 19, said. “That’s kind of where I’ve had success.…
Cholowski, 19, selected 20th overall in 2016, opted to turn pro after one season of NCAA hockey with St. Cloud State, the same school where current Wings defenseman Nick Jensen played.
“He passes the puck like a pro,… said Grand Rapids AHL coach Todd Nelson who suited up Cholowski from one game after he left college. “He passes it crisp and firm. He can control the play and make simple plays. He makes the game look easy out there.…
Beyond the slim possibility that he plays in the NHL next season, the Wings are left with plenty of options when it comes to the next step for the six-foot-one, 185-pound Cholowski.
“His rights in the CHL are owned by a team in the Western League, Prince George,… Wings assistant general manager Ryan Martin said. “Under the rules, we have the option to loan him to the American League first if we choose. Once we loan him to a CHL team, then we’re subject to the CHL transfer agreement and we’re not allowed to recall him to the American League.
“Basically, the way the rule works, once you make the election of sending him to junior, you’re done and he can’t play in the American League until his season is over, but he would be in a spot to compete for a job in Grand Rapids if we so chose.…
It’s basically an either/or decision with Rasmussen. If he doesn’t make the Wings, he must be returned to Tri-City.
“Under the rules, we have to send him back to his junior team unless he makes the Red Wings,… Martin said. “Right now, our expectation is he’s going back to junior, unless something happens that we’re not expecting.…
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